Lawrence “Larry” W. Marshall, 75, of Thayer, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born Jan. 5, 1950, in Girard to Charles Edward and Betty Marie (Jarvis) Marshall.
Larry graduated from Girard High School in 1968 and earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Kansas State University in 1972, followed by a master’s degree in adult and agricultural education. While at K-State, he participated in the ROTC program.
On Aug. 12, 1972, he married Debra Ward in Fredonia; they later divorced. He married Patty Goins on Feb. 7, 1998, in Chanute. She preceded him in death on Oct. 8, 2015. On April 28, 2018, he married Lorrie Timmons at the Fredonia Livestock Sale Barn, a place where he spent many years as an auctioneer.
Larry devoted his life to agriculture, education and public service. He began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Fredonia High School from 1972 to 1984, where he influenced generations of students. In 1973, he founded Larry Marshall Auction and Realty, which he owned and operated for more than 50 years.
He was deeply involved in his community, serving as mayor of Fredonia for 10 years, a volunteer firefighter for more than a decade, and president of the Wilson County Fair Association for many years. He was known as the longtime auctioneer for the Thayer homecoming bake sale and announcer for the Kids Rodeo for more than 25 years.
Larry was a member of the Fredonia Rotary Club, where he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, and was a lifetime FFA member. He also belonged to the National and local real estate associations, Fredonia Chamber of Commerce, Fredonia Arts Council, Thayer Grand Lodge No. 144, Sons of the American Legion, and was a past member of the First United Methodist Church of Fredonia and Thayer Christian Church. He was a strong supporter of the Fredonia Yellowjackets, Thayer Flyers, FFA and 4-H programs.
Larry never met a stranger and was known for his kindness, generosity and willingness to help others.
Survivors include his wife, Lorrie Marshall of the home; children Justin (Tiffany) Marshall of Edmond, Oklahoma, Scott (Carissa) Marshall of Emporia,, Crystal (Jason) Widemon of Gilmer, Texas, Cami (Thomas) Corwin of Thayer, Jordan (Britni) Stewart of Fredonia, and Lindsay (Jason) Forrester of Fredonia; 23 grandchildren; one great-grandson; brothers Steve Marshall and Don Marshall, both of Pittsburg, and twin brother Jerry (Peggy) Marshall of Girard; sister Marilynn (Denny) Limpus of Harrisonville, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Patty Marshall; and sisters-in-law Kay Marshall and Debbie Marshall.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at First Christian Church, 303 N. Seventh St., Fredonia. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at the church. Burial will follow at Thayer Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Larry Marshall Memorial Scholarship Fund and may be left with or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home.
Services are under the direction of Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fredonia.
